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A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P |
Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Acrosome
The packet of enzymes in a normal sperm's head that allows the sperm
to dissolve a hole in the outer coating around the egg, which allows
the sperm to penetrate and fertilize the egg.
Acrosome reaction
A chemical change that enables a sperm to penetrate an egg.
Amenorrhea
The absence of menstruation.
Androgens
Male sex hormones.
Andrologist
A specialist who treats sperm problems.
Anovulation
The total absence of ovulation. 
Antibodies
Chemicals made by the body to fight or attack foreign substances
entering the body. Normally they prevent infection; however, when
they attack the sperm or fetus, they can cause infertility.
Anticardiolipin Antibodies (ACA)
An antibody directed against cardiolipin. These are one of the antiphospholipid
groups of antibodies. Approximately 80% of patients who have an
antiphospholipid antibody problem will test positive for anticardiolipin
antibodies, but the remaining 20% will test positive for one of
the other six antiphospholipid antibodies.
Antiphospholipid Antibodies (APA)
The acquired autoantibodies to negatively charged phospholipids
found in approximately 15% of patients diagnosed with recurrent
pregnancy loss. A positive test indicates that a woman’s blood
clots too fast, cutting off support to the fetus. The correlation
between the presence of APA and in vitro fertilization success has
been a point of controversy over the past several years. In 1999
Joe Massey, MD (RBA), in cooperation with several leading infertility
centers in the US and Canada conducted a meta-analysis of studies
examining the relationship between the presence of serum antiphospholipid
antibodies to IVF success and found no significant association.
Antisperm Antibodies
Antibodies made by either the man or the woman that can attach to
sperm and inhibit movement of sperm or fertilization. Antibodies
are frequently positive in men who have had vasectomies and vasectomy
reversals, or testicular injuries.
Antithyroid Antibodies (ATA)
Antibodies that interfere with thyroid functions, and thus with
normal metabolism. They are also indicators for a predisposition
of the patient to auto immunity, which may involve additional autoimmune
problems that interfere with the reproductive process.
Artificial Insemination
See Intrauterine Insemination
Artificially Stimulated Ejaculation
Controlled electrical stimulation to induce ejaculation in a man
with damage to the nerves that control ejaculation.
Assisted Hatching
is thinning out the zona pellucida (The protective outer membrane
surrounding the egg) prior to transferring the embryo into the uterus.
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Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
Procedures employed to bring about conception without sexual intercourse,
including IUI, IVF, GIFT and ZIFT.
Asthenozoospermia
Low sperm motility.
Azoospermia
Absence of sperm in the ejaculate. This may be due to an obstruction,
or lack of sperm production by the testicle.
B
Basal Body Temperature Test (BBT)
The temperature of the woman taken every morning during a menstrual
cycle prior to any activity. It may help to determine whether or
not ovulation is occurring.
Biopsy
A fragment of tissue removed for study under the microscope. Endometrial
and testicular tissues are often removed for study.
Blastocyst
An embryo that has developed for five days after fertilization.
At this point the embryo has two different cell types and a central
cavity. The surface cells (trophectoderm) will become the placenta,
and the inner cell mass will become the fetus. A healthy blastocyst
should hatch from the zona pellucida by the end of the sixth day.
Within about 24 hours after hatching, it should begin to implant
into the lining of the uterus.
Bromocryptine (Parlodel)
A medication that reduces levels of the pituitary hormone prolactin.
C
Cannula
A hollow tube used, for example, to inseminate sperm artificially.
Cannulation for tubal blockage
The insertion of a cannula to attempt to dilate a blockage of the
tube at the site where the uterus connects to the tube.
Capacitation
The process by which sperm becomes capable of fertilizing an egg.
Catheter
A flexible tube used for aspirating or injecting fluids.
Cauterize
To destroy tissue with heat, cold, or caustic substances usually
to seal off blood vessels or ducts.
Cervical Mucus
Mucus produced by the cervix that permits passage of sperm from
the vagina into the uterus. Cervical mucus may assist in preventing
infections and usually thins around ovulation to aid in sperm transport.
Cervix
The lower portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
Chemical Pregnancy
The false appearance of pregnancy due to changes in the pregnancy
hormone.
Chlamydia
A type of bacterial organism that is frequently transmitted sexually
between partners or from an infected mother to her newborn child;
the most common sexually transmitted bacterial disease (venereal
disease). A leading cause of tubal damage in women and men.
Chromosome
Rod-shaped bodies in a cell's nucleus that transmit hereditary information.
Clomiphene citrate (Clomid, Serophene)
A fertility pill that stimulates ovulation through release of gonadotropins
from the pituitary gland.
Colposcopy
Examination of the cervix through a magnifying telescope to detect
abnormal cells.
Congenital defect
A birth defect.
Conization
The surgical removal of a cone-shaped portion of the cervix, usually
as a treatment for a precancerous condition.
Corpus luteum
A special gland formed on the surface of the ovary following ovulation
which produces progesterone during the second half of the menstrual
cycle. Progesterone is necessary to prepare the uterine lining for
implantation by a fertilized egg.
Cryocautery
Cautery by freezing, such as cautery of cervical tissue due to an
abnormal pap smear.
Cryopreservation of Embryos
Freezing embryos quickly and then storing in straws or ampules.
Freezing may be done at the pronuclear, cleaved and blastocyst stages.
Cul-de-sac
The pouch located at the bottom of the abdominal cavity between
the uterus and rectum.
Culdoscopy
Examination of the internal female pelvic organs through an incision
in the vagina.
Cyst
A sac filled with fluid.
D
Dilatation and curettage (D&C)
An operation that involves stretching the cervical opening to scrape
out the uterus.
Donor Insemination (artificial Insemination)
The placement of sperm from a donor which has been washed free of
seminal fluid into the uterine cavity.
E
Ectopic Pregnancy
A pregnancy located outside of the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian
tube.
Egg (ovum)
The female reproductive cell or gamete.
Egg donation
The act of donating eggs to someone else for use in attempting pregnancy
through in vitro fertilization. Donors may be either compassionate
(known to recipient) or anonymous.
Ejaculate
The sperm-containing fluid released at orgasm.
Ejaculatory Duct Reconstruction
Surgical procedure to repair the male ducts that contract with orgasm
to cause ejaculation in order to restore the ability to ejaculate
sperm.
Embryo
The term used to describe the early stages of fetal growth from
conception to the eighth week of pregnancy.
Embryologist
A specialist in embryo development.
Embryo transfer
Placing laboratory-fertilized eggs into the uterus.
Endocrine gland
An organ that produces hormones.
Endometrial biopsy
The removal of a fragment of the lining of the uterus for study
under the microscope.
Endometrioma
A special type of ovarian cyst that is chocolate in color and contains
endometrial cells that grows and bleeds during menstruation. Endometiomas
are associated with severe endometriosis.
Endometriosis
The growth of endometrial tissue outside of its normal location
in the uterus.
Endometritis
An inflammation of the endometrium.
Endometrium
The inner lining of the uterus.
Epididymis
An elongated organ in the male lying above and behind the testicles.
It contains a highly convoluted canal four to six meters in length,
where, after production, sperm are stored, nourished and ripened
for a period of several months.
Epididymitis
An inflammation of the epididymis.
Estradiol
A hormone released by developing follicles in the ovary. Plasma
estradiol levels are used to help determine progressive growth and
maturation of the follicle during ovulation induction.
Estrogens
A class of female sex hormones produced mainly by the ovaries from
the onset of puberty and continuing until menopause. They are responsible
for the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
F
Fallopian Tubes
Hollow tubes through which eggs travel to the uterus once released
from the follicle. Sperm normally meet the egg in the fallopian
tube, the site at which fertilization usually occurs. The fallopian
tube is divided anatomically into a few regions: closest to the
uterus and within the uterine wall is the "interstitium"
(where interstitial pregnancies develop), next is the "isthmus"
(immediately outside the uterine wall) then the "ampulla"
(midsection of the tube) and then the "infundibular or fimbrial
portion" (adjacent to the ovary at the end of the tube).
Fecundability
The ability to become pregnant.
Fertilization
The penetration of the egg by the sperm and fusion of genetic materials
to result in the development of an embryo.
Fetus
The developing baby from the second month of pregnancy until birth.
Fibroid (myoma or leiomyoma)
A benign tumor of the uterine muscle and connective tissue.
Fimbria
The fringed and finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian
tube nearest the ovary that capture the egg and deliver it into
the tube.
Fimbrioplasty
Microsurgery on the fimbria of a damaged or blocked fallopian tube.
Follicle
A fluid-filled sac in the ovary that releases an egg at ovulation.
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
The pituitary hormone produced and released from the pituitary gland
that stimulates follicle growth in women and sperm formation in
men.
Follicular phase
The pre-ovulatory phase of a woman's cycle during which the follicle
grows and high estrogen levels cause the uterine lining to proliferate.
Fructose
The sugar produced by the seminal vesicles that sperm use for energy.
G
Gamete
A male or female reproductive cell; the sperm in men, the egg in
women.
Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer (GIFT)
Combining eggs and sperm outside of the body and immediately placing
them into the fallopian tubes to achieve fertilization.
Gene
A hereditary unit that occupies a specific location on a chromosome
and determines a particular characteristic in an organism. Genes
exist in a number of different forms and can undergo mutation.
Gestation sac
The fluid-filled sac in which the fetus develops, visible by an
ultrasound exam.
Gland
An organ that produces and secretes essential body fluids or substances,
such as hormones.
Gonadotropins
The hormones produced by the pituitary gland that control reproductive
function in the male or female: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)
The hormone produced and released by the hypothalamus that controls
the pituitary gland's production and release of gonadotropins.
Gonads
Organs that produce the testicles and ovaries, and sex hormones.
Gonorrhea
A sexually transmitted infection (venereal disease) caused by bacteria
Neisseria gonococcus that can lead to infertility.
H
Habitual abortion
Repeat miscarriages, usually defined as 3 or more losses.
Hamster test
A test of the ability of a man's sperm to penetrate a hamster egg
stripped of its outer membrane, the zona pellucida, also called
Hamster Zona-Free Ovum (HZFO) Test or Sperm Penetration Assay (SPA).
Hemizona assay
A laboratory test of the ability of sperm to penetrate into a human
egg; first the egg is split in half, then one half is tested against
the husband's sperm and the other half against sperm from a fertile
man.
Hirsutism
Excessive hair on the face, abdomen, and chest caused by high levels
of the male hormone androgen.
Hormone
A substance produced by an endocrine gland that travels through
the bloodstream to control the functions of various organs.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
The hormone produced early in pregnancy to keep the corpus luteum
producing progesterone; may be injected to stimulate ovulation and
progesterone production.
Hyperandrogenism
Excessive production of androgens in women, frequently a cause of
hirsutism and also associated with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD).
Hyperprolactinemia
Excessive prolactin in the blood.
Hyperstimulation
Excessive stimulation of the ovaries, usually by ovulation induction
with gonadotropins that can cause them to become enlarged.
Hypothalamus
The endocrine gland at the center of the brain that produces gonadotropin
releasing hormone and
controls pituitary function.
Hypothyroidism
Underactivity of the thyroid gland.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
An x-ray procedure in which a special dye is injected into the uterus
through a tube placed through the cervix to illustrate the inner
contour of the uterus and the degree of openness of the fallopian
tubes.
Hysteroscopy
A diagnostic procedure in which a lighted scope is inserted through
the cervix into the uterus to enable the physician to view the inside
of the uterus.
I
Immune system
The body's defense against any injury or invasion by a foreign substance
or organism.
Implantation
Attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterine lining, usually
occurring five to seven days after ovulation.
Impotence
Complete or partial inability to achieve an erection.
Infertility
Inability of a couple to achieve a pregnancy or to carry a pregnancy
to term after one year of
unprotected sexual relations. For a woman over 35 years of age,
infertility should be investigated after attempting to achieve a
pregnancy for 6 months.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
A micromanipulation procedure where a single sperm is injected into
the egg to enable fertilization with very low sperm counts or with
non-motile sperm.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
(artificial insemination) the placement of sperm, which have been
washed free of seminal fluid, into the uterine cavity.
K
Klinefelter's syndrome
A chromosome abnormality that prevents normal male sexual development
and causes irreversible infertility due to the presence of an extra
female (X) chromosome. In some cases pregnancies may be achieved
by the retrieval of sperm via biopsy of the testicles and fertilization
of eggs by ICSI combined with IVF.
L
Laparoscope
A slender, tubular endoscope that is inserted through an incision
in the abdominal wall to examine or perform minor surgery within
the abdominal or pelvic cavities.
Laparoscopy (LAP)
The surgical visual examination of the pelvic organs (ovaries, uterus,
fallopian tubes) through the use of a small telescope called a laparoscope.
Laparoscopy is performed at The K.J Hospital under general anesthesia.
The abdominal cavity is inflated with carbon dioxide and a fiberoptic
instrument is placed through the navel and through entry sites in
the lower quadrants. Small instruments are introduced into the abdominal
cavity to accomplish surgical repair of pelvic pathology. This can
even performed as a out patient procedure, patient can resume work
the very next day.
Laparotomy
A surgical opening of the abdomen.
Live birth per cycle rate
Shows the percentage of cycles started that resulted in a live birth
(a delivery of one or more living babies). This rate is the one
many people are most interested in when considering ART because
it represents the average chances of having a live-born infant by
using ART.
Live birth per egg retrieval rate
The percentage of cycles in which eggs were retrieved that resulted
in a live birth. It is generally higher than the live birth per
cycle rate because it excludes those cycles that were canceled before
egg retrieval was carried out.
Live birth per transfer rate
Includes only those cycles in which an embryo or egg and sperm were
transferred back to the woman. It excludes cycles in which the egg
was not fertilized or the embryos formed were abnormal and thus
no transfer could occur. This rate is generally the highest of the
four measures of ART success.
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland throughout the menstrual
cycle. Secretion of LH increases in the middle of the cycle to induce
release of the egg.
M
Male factor
usually refers to a low sperm count or problems with sperm function
that make it difficult for a sperm to fertilize an egg under normal
conditions.
Menarche
The time when a woman has her first menstrual period.
Menopause
The time when a woman stops having menstrual periods due to the
absence of eggs in the ovaries.
Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA)
Using microsurgery to remove sperm from the epididymis for use in
in vitro fertilization, often with ICSI.
Myomectomy
Surgical removal of a fibroid tumor (myoma) in the uterine muscular
wall.
N
Non-obstructive Azoospermia
Severely impaired or non-existent sperm production. Some sperm may
be found and extracted directly from the testicles.
O
Obstetrician-gynecologist (Ob-gyn)
A physician who specializes in the treatment of female disorders
and pregnancy.
Obstructive Azoospermia
The result of obstruction in either the upper or lower male reproductive
tract (epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles or ejaculatory
ducts). Sperm production may be normal but the obstruction is preventing
the sperm from being ejaculated. Some causes of obstructive azoospermia
are vasectomy, congenital absence of vas deferens, scarring from
past infections, and injury from hernia operations.
Oligomenorrhea
Infrequent and irregular menstrual cycles.
Oligospermia
A low sperm count.
Ovarian cyst
A fluid-containing sac in the ovary.
Ovary
The female sexual gland that produces eggs and female hormones estrogen
and progesterone. There are two ovaries, one on each side of the
pelvis, and they are connected to the uterus by the fallopian tubes.
Ovulation
Release of an egg from one of the ovaries.
P
Pap smear
Removal of cells from the surface of the cervix to study microscopically.
Parlodel
See Bromocryptine
Pelvic Adhesions
Scar tissue occurring in the abdominal cavity, fallopian tubes,
or inside the uterus. Adhesions can interfere with the function
of the fallopian tube, affecting transport of the egg. Scar tissue
in the uterus can interfere with implantation of the embryo in the
uterus. Adhesions may result from previous injuries, infections
or endometriosis.
Pelvic cavity
The area of the abdomen surrounded by the pelvic bone that contains
the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries in women, and the prostate
gland and seminal vesicles in men.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Inflammation of any of the female pelvic organs, usually due to
infection from a sexually transmitted disease.
Penis
The male organ of sexual intercourse and urinary excretion.
Pituitary gland
The endocrine gland at the base of the brain that produces the gonadotropin
luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, which in turn
stimulate the gonads to produce sex cells and hormones.
Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD)
A condition found among women in which increased androgen production
causes multiple small cysts to persist on the ovaries. There is
an imbalance in the amount of LH and FSH released during the menstrual
cycle, resulting in lack of ovulation.
Polyp
A growth or tumor on an internal surface,usually benign.
Post-coital test (PCT)
Microscopic examination of a woman's cervical mucus at the fertile
time of the cycle to determine the number and motility of sperm
following intercourse. A highly controversial test due to it’s
lack of predictive value.
Pre-embryo
A fertilized egg in the early stage of development prior to cell
division.
Pregnancy per cycle rate
refers to the percentage of ART cycles that produced a pregnancy.
This rate is higher than the live birth per cycle rate because some
pregnancies end in miscarriage, therapeutic abortion, or stillbirth.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)
A procedure done in conjunction with IVF that allows the selection
and transfer of unaffected embryos and avoids the need for terminating
an affected pregnancy after diagnosis at later stages of gestation.
To analyze for the presence of a genetic defect, it is necessary
to remove the first polar body of an unfertilized egg and/or a cell
or cells from each embryo. This is called an egg or embryo biopsy
and is usually done before insemination occurs, or 3 days after
fertilization. Biopsy of one or two cells at the 8-cell stage does
not adversely affect preimplantation development.
Progesterone
A hormone secreted by the corpus luteum of the ovary after ovulation
has occurred. Also produced by the placenta during pregnancy.
Prolactin
The pituitary hormone that in high amounts stimulates milk production.
Prostate gland
The male gland encircling the urethra that produces one third of
the fluid in the ejaculate.
Prostaglandins
A group of hormone-like chemicals that have various effects on reproductive
organs; so named because they were first discovered in the prostate
gland.
R
Reproductive endocrinologist
An OB-GYN who specializes in the treatment of hormonal disorders
that affect reproductive function.
Reproductive surgeon
An OB-GYN or urologist who specializes in the surgical correction
of anatomical disorders that impair reproductive function.
Retrograde ejaculation
Ejaculation backwards into the bladder instead of forward through
the urethra.
S
Salpingectomy
Surgical removal of a fallopian tube.
Salpingitis
Inflammation of one or both fallopian tubes.
Salpingitis isthmica nodosa
An abnormal condition of the fallopian tube where it attaches to
the uterus, characterized by nodules.
Salpingostomy
An incision in a fallopian tube, such as to remove an ectopic pregnancy.
Salpingotomy
A surgical procedure to open a blocked fallopian tube.
Scrotum
The sac containing the testicles, epididymis, and vas deferens.
Semen
The fluid containing sperm and secretions from the testicles, prostate,
and seminal vesicles that is expelled during ejaculation.
Semen analysis
The laboratory examination of semen to check the quality and quantity
of sperm. A complete semen analysis includes testing the pH, sperm
concentration, motility, linearity, velocity (progression) and morphology.
Sperm count is the number of sperm in the ejaculate (when given
as the number of sperm per milliliter it is more accurately known
as the sperm concentration or sperm density). Morphology involves
assessing the shape of sperm and counting the percentage of normal
shapes. Motility is the motion, such as the forward swimming motion
of health sperm.
Semen Analysis Normal Ranges (WHO Criteria, 1992)
Semen Characteristics Units WHO (1992)
Volume ml 2.0 or more
pH pH units (7.2 - 8.0)
Sperm concentration x 106/ml 20 or more
Total sperm count x 106/ejaculate > 40 or more
Motility (within 60 minutes of ejaculation) % Motile > 50 or
more
Progression at 37oC Scale 0-4 3 - 4
Morphology % Normal sperm >=30
Vitality % Live sperm >=75
White blood cells x 106/ml <1.0
Semen cryopreservation
The process involving the freezing of sperm. Sperm are stored in
straws, in tanks of liquid nitrogen.
Seminal vesicles
The paired glands at the base of the bladder that produce seminal
fluid and fructose.
Seminal vesicle aspiration
The aspiration of seminal fluid to retrieve sperm from the seminal
vesicles.
Seminiferous tubules
The network of tubes where sperm are formed in the testicles.
Septum
A wall that divides a cavity in half, such as a uterine septum.
Sertoli cells
The cells in the testicles that provide nourishment to the early
sperm cells.
Sexually transmitted disease (STD)
A disease caused by an infectious agent transmitted during sex.
Sperm
The male reproductive cell that has measurable characteristics such
as mobility, density, morphology and viability.
Sperm bank
A place where sperm are kept frozen in liquid nitrogen for later
use in artificial insemination or IVF.
Spermicide
An agent that kills sperm.
Sterilization
A surgical procedure (such as tubal ligation or vasectomy) designed
to produce infertility.
Sterilization reversal
A surgical procedure used to undo a previous sterilization operation
and restore fertility.
Superovulation
Stimulation of multiple eggs in one cycle with fertility drugs;
also known as controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH).
Surrogate mother
A woman who carries a pregnancy for an infertile couple. A traditional
surrogate is artificially inseminated with a man's sperm (the man
being the biological father of the child), and the couple adopts
the baby at birth. A gestational carrier is a woman who carries
a pregnancy achieved after the embryos of the biological parents
are transferred into her uterus following IVF.
T
Testis Biopsy
The removal of a fragment of a testicle for examination under the
microscope.
Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA)
A needle biopsy of the testicle used to obtain small amounts of
sperm. A small incision is made in the scrotal skin and a spring-loaded
needle is fired through the testicle. Usually does not result in
enough sperm to freeze for later use.
Testosterone
The primary male sex hormone produced in the testicles. Women also
produce small amounts of testosterone.
Thyroid gland
The endocrine gland in the front of the neck that produces thyroid
hormones, which regulate the body's metabolism.
Tubal disease
Disorders of the fallopian tubes such as structural problems, blockages,
and scar tissue.
Tubal factor
Usually means that the woman’s fallopian tubes are blocked
or damaged, making it difficult for the egg to be fertilized or
for an embryo to travel to the uterus.
Tubal ligation
Surgical sterilization of a woman by obstructing the fallopian tubes
using cautery and removal of a segment of each tube, or “tying”
the tube.
Tubal reversal
Surgery performed to reconnect the two ends fallopian tube (Ducts
through which eggs travel to the uterus once released from the follicle.
Sperm normally meet the egg in the fallopian tube, the site at which
fertilization usually occurs. The fallopian tube is divided anatomically
into a few regions: closest to the uterus and within the uterine
wall is the "interstitium" (where interstitial pregnancies
develop), next is the "isthmus" (immediately outside the
uterine wall) then the "ampulla" (midsection of the tube)
and then the "infundibular or fimbrial portion" (adjacent
to the ovary at the end of the tube); sterilization reversal.
Tuboplasty
Reconstructive surgery on the fallopian tubes to correct abnormalities
that cause infertility.
Tumor
An abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign or malignant (cancerous).
U
Ultrasound (US)
Use of high-frequency sound waves for creating an image of internal
body parts.
Unexplained infertility
Means that no cause of infertility was found in either the woman
or the man.
Urethra
The tube through which urine from the bladder is expelled.
Urologist
A physician who specializes in the medical and surgical treatment
of disorders of the urinary tract and male reproductive tract.
Uterine factor
Means a disorder of the uterus that results in reduced fertility.
Uterus
The reproductive organ that houses, protects and nourishes the developing
embryo/fetus. It is a hollow, muscular structure that is part of
the female reproductive tract and is the source of a woman’s
menses womb.
V
Vagina
A tubular passageway in the female connecting the external sex organs
with the cervix and uterus; the birth canal.
Vaginituis
Inflammation of the vagina.
Varicocele
A collection of varicose veins in the scrotum that causes blood
to flow in an abnormal direction. Elevated scrotal heat results,
and affects the quality of the sperm.
Varicocele ligation
Surgical procedure to tie off a varicocele.
Vas deferens
The long tube that transports sperm from the testicles to the urethra.
Vasal Reconstruction
Surgical procedure to repair the vas deferens.
Vasectomy Reversal
Surgical repair of a previous vasectomy for a man who wants to regain
his fertility.
Vasogram
An X-ray study of the vas deferens.
Venereal disease
see Sexually transmitted diseases (STD).
Virus
A microscopic infectious organism that reproduces inside living
cells.
Z
Zona pellucida
The protective coating surrounding the egg.
Zygote
An egg that has been fertilized but not yet divided.
Zygote Intra Fallopian transfer (ZIFT)
In vitro fertilization with a transfer of the zygote into the fallopian
tube.
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